Texas Madrone
Arbutus xalapensis
Last reviewed: October 2026
Toxicity unknown
Texas Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–360" H × 240"–360" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
NM, TX
Pollinators
nectar insects
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Texas Madrone is a stunning native tree with smooth, peeling reddish bark and glossy evergreen leaves. It produces clusters of white to pink bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by red berries that attract birds.
In an HOA neighborhood
Texas Madrone takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The spring flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Birds eagerly consume the red berries, making this tree excellent for supporting local wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Texas Madrone need?
- Texas Madrone grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Texas Madrone bloom?
- Texas Madrone blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Texas Madrone native?
- Texas Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis) is native to NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Texas Madrone attract?
- Texas Madrone draws nectar insects.
- Is Texas Madrone HOA-friendly?
- Texas Madrone takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Texas Madrone? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.